Problem with Low Fuel Indicator Light

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Don, Jan 28, 2006.

  1. Don

    Don Guest

    The low fuel indicator light on my friend's '99 Accord does not seem to be
    working. Basically, the gauge works and goes to E, but the indicator does
    not seem to come on anymore.

    1) How probable is it that the bulb simply burned out? (She drives a lot
    and tends to run the car until the indicator comes on.)

    2) Is there anyway of testing the low fuel circuit short of running the car
    out of gas? The gauge does work. And the lamp self test when you turn the
    ignition key on does not seem to test the low fuel indicator bulb. (At
    least what I gather from the manual.)

    3) Assuming it might be the bulb, how easy is it to pull the instrument
    cluster on an Accord? It appears there a few screws across the top of the
    cluster. Is it as easy as undoing those and working it out? (I've pulled
    the cluster on a '87 Toyota Supra, and the trick there was just finding the
    screws which seem to be in the same basic positions as on the Accord.)

    Any suggestions on how to approach and solve this mystery will be greatly
    appreciated!

    Thanks!

    Don
     
    Don, Jan 28, 2006
    #1
  2. Don

    johngdole Guest

    You need to check the bulb first by jumpering two wires on the
    connector going to the fuel pump. Haynes repair manual in auto stores
    should tell you the exact ones. I think it's wires #1 and #3, not sure.
    If the bulb doesn't light with the wires jumpered, then it's the bulb.

    The low fuel light is operated by a separate level sensor. It can go
    bad. I heard those years of Hondas (many different models) have trouble
    with fuel sender units. The level at Full may be off, or the low fuel
    level light doesn't work. The metal used on earlier sensors interact
    with sulfur in the fuel.

    It might be easier to jumper the wires before getting at the instrument
    panel -- 3 easy screws for the access cover and disconnect the
    connector.
     
    johngdole, Jan 28, 2006
    #2
  3. Don

    johngdole Guest

    You need to check the bulb first by jumpering two wires on the
    connector going to the fuel pump. Haynes repair manual in auto stores
    should tell you the exact ones. I think it's wires #1 and #3, not sure.
    If the bulb doesn't light with the wires jumpered, then it's the bulb.

    The low fuel light is operated by a separate level sensor. It can go
    bad. I heard those years of Hondas (many different models) have trouble
    with fuel sender units. The level at Full may be off, or the low fuel
    level light doesn't work. The metal used on earlier sensors interact
    with sulfur in the fuel.

    It might be easier to jumper the wires before getting at the instrument
    panel -- 3 easy screws for the access cover and disconnect the
    connector.
     
    johngdole, Jan 28, 2006
    #3
  4. Don

    Don Guest

    John,

    I gather the access cover you are referring too is in the trunk? Definitely
    sounds like the way to go in terms of ease of checking.

    Thanks!

    Don
     
    Don, Jan 28, 2006
    #4
  5. Don

    Don Guest

    John,

    I gather the access cover you are referring too is in the trunk? Definitely
    sounds like the way to go in terms of ease of checking.

    Thanks!

    Don
     
    Don, Jan 28, 2006
    #5
  6. Don

    SoCalMike Guest

    is it turning on during the self-test? if not, theres your answer.

    only other way would be to pull the sending unit from the tank and play
    with it.
     
    SoCalMike, Jan 30, 2006
    #6
  7. Don

    SoCalMike Guest

    is it turning on during the self-test? if not, theres your answer.

    only other way would be to pull the sending unit from the tank and play
    with it.
     
    SoCalMike, Jan 30, 2006
    #7
  8. Don

    johngdole Guest

    Yes, the access cover in the tank.

    I don't think this light turns on during key-on lamp test per manual.
     
    johngdole, Jan 30, 2006
    #8
  9. Don

    johngdole Guest

    Yes, the access cover in the tank.

    I don't think this light turns on during key-on lamp test per manual.
     
    johngdole, Jan 30, 2006
    #9
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